tie rods bad?
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From: iowa
tie rods bad?
I can grab the tie rods with my hand and move them pretty easily. they only have 40k on them! Also how do i know if my gearbox is bad? Can i check the ball joints without having tires on? 1998 dodge ram 1500 4x4
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From: Clayton MI
Which way to they move? If they just rotate a bit, that's fairly normal. But, if there is slop, that's bad.
To check the gear box, turn the ignition to the point the steering is unlocked, (don't start the engine) then, with two fingers, see how far you can move the steering wheel, before other stuff starts moving....... that's how much slop is in your steering box....... some of it can be adjusted out. but, if you do the adjustments, and still don't like it, replacement is the only other option. Don't bother with the cardone, etc, reman units, those are luck of the draw, and you are just as likely to get one that's WORSE than yours, as one that is better.
Easier to check balljoints with the tires on.
To check the gear box, turn the ignition to the point the steering is unlocked, (don't start the engine) then, with two fingers, see how far you can move the steering wheel, before other stuff starts moving....... that's how much slop is in your steering box....... some of it can be adjusted out. but, if you do the adjustments, and still don't like it, replacement is the only other option. Don't bother with the cardone, etc, reman units, those are luck of the draw, and you are just as likely to get one that's WORSE than yours, as one that is better.
Easier to check balljoints with the tires on.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Clayton MI
Find out where the slop is in your steering. Having another warm body for this exercise makes it a LOT easier. (even the neighbors 8 year old.......) Have you helper move the steering, (the two finger method) see what moves, that shouldn't, and what doesn't move, that should. Take care of that stuff first, then see how the steering box is. ANY tiny bit of slop in the rest of the linkage gets amplified thru the steering box.
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Back a forth is very bad. The truck probably shimmys or shakes at certain speeds. I would replace them ASAP and the ball joints. Usually tie rods and ball joints. Go about the same time. It's better to just do them all. I had a ball joint break going down the highway and it was catastrophic. I ended up demolishing the car into the guard rail. If u even think they might be bad. Replace them.
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From: iowa
